This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a side airbag module located in the front seat backrest of a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Side airbag module × 1 — Use OEM specification - verify seat position (driver/passenger)
• Seat trim clips (if broken during removal) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure cable away from battery post
4. Disconnect positive battery terminal
5. Wait minimum 90 seconds for SRS system capacitors to fully discharge
6. Move front seat to full forward position for access to rear seat bolts
7. Verify replacement airbag module part number matches vehicle configuration (driver vs passenger side)
8. Inspect replacement airbag module for any visible damage before installation

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove seat mounting bolts
   With seat moved full forward, locate the two rear seat mounting bolts on the seat rail. Use 14mm socket to remove both rear mounting bolts. Move seat to full rearward position. Remove two front seat mounting bolts using 14mm socket. Keep all four bolts organized for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect seat electrical connectors
   Locate electrical connectors under the seat. Press release tabs and disconnect all connectors including seat position sensor, seat heater (if equipped), and side airbag connector. The side airbag connector is typically yellow with a locking tab. Carefully note connector positions and routing for reinstallation.
   ⚠The side airbag connector will have a secondary lock. Press the lock tab fully before attempting to disconnect.
3. 3

   Remove seat from vehicle
   With all mounting bolts and electrical connectors removed, carefully lift and remove the seat from the vehicle. This requires two people for safety - front seats typically weigh 40-60 lbs. Place seat on a clean, protected work surface with adequate space to work on the backrest.
4. 4

   Remove seat backrest trim cover
   On the rear of the seat backrest, locate the trim cover fasteners. On 2012-2017 Camry, the trim cover is typically secured with plastic clips along the perimeter and may have screws at the bottom. Use trim removal tools to carefully pry the cover starting from the bottom corners. Work around the perimeter to release all clips. Remove any screws if present and set aside the trim cover.
   ℹ️Work slowly to avoid breaking trim clips. Replacement clips should be available if any break during removal.
5. 5

   Locate side airbag module
   With trim cover removed, locate the side airbag module mounted in the outboard side of the seat backrest frame. The module is a rectangular unit with a fabric covering on the deployment side. Note the orientation and deployment direction (always toward the outside of the seat). Identify the mounting bolts - typically two Torx bolts securing the module to the seat frame.
6. 6

   Disconnect airbag module connector
   Locate the airbag module connector at the base of the module. This will be a yellow connector with a locking mechanism. Press the secondary lock tab and slide it to the unlock position. Then press the primary connector release tab and carefully disconnect the connector from the airbag module. Verify no debris or damage in connector terminals.
   ⚠️Never probe or test airbag module connectors with standard electrical equipment. This can cause deployment.
7. 7

   Remove side airbag module mounting bolts
   Using the appropriate Torx driver (typically T30 or T40), remove the two mounting bolts securing the side airbag module to the seat frame. Support the module while removing the final bolt. Carefully remove the airbag module from the seat backrest frame, ensuring no wiring is snagged.
   ⚠️Immediately place removed airbag module on stable surface with deployment side (fabric side) facing UP. Never place face-down or near your body.
   Torque spec

   Side Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Inspect seat frame and wiring
   With old airbag removed, inspect the seat frame mounting points for damage, cracks, or deformation. Check the wiring harness for any fraying, pinching, or damage. Verify the connector that mates with the airbag module has clean, undamaged terminals. If any damage is found to frame or wiring, the seat assembly may require additional repair before airbag installation.
9. 9

   Install new side airbag module
   Remove new airbag module from packaging. Verify part number matches removed unit and deployment side is oriented correctly (fabric deployment side toward outside of seat). Position module in seat frame with mounting holes aligned. Start both Torx mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper threading and alignment.
   ⚠Ensure airbag deployment direction is correct - the fabric deployment panel must face outboard (toward door side of vehicle). Incorrect orientation will prevent proper deployment.
   Torque spec

   Side Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Torque airbag module bolts
    Using a calibrated torque wrench with Torx bit, torque both Side Airbag Module Bolts to exactly 7.0 Nm (5.0 lb-ft) in a cross pattern. Verify both bolts are fully seated and properly torqued. This torque value is critical for proper airbag function.
    ⚠️CRITICAL: Side airbag module bolts must be torqued to exactly 7.0 Nm (5.0 lb-ft). Over-torquing can prevent deployment; under-torquing can allow movement during deployment.
    Torque spec

    Side Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect airbag module connector
    Route the seat wiring harness to the airbag module connector. Align the yellow connector and press firmly until it clicks into place. Engage the secondary lock by sliding or pressing it to the locked position. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully locked. Ensure no wiring is pinched or under tension.
12. 12

    Reinstall seat backrest trim cover
    Position the seat backrest trim cover over the airbag module and frame. Align all mounting points and clips. Press firmly around the perimeter to engage all clips, starting from the top and working downward. Install any screws that were removed. Verify the trim cover is fully seated with no gaps and does not interfere with airbag deployment zone.
    ⚠Ensure trim cover will not obstruct airbag deployment. The deployment zone must be free of obstructions.
13. 13

    Reinstall seat in vehicle
    With assistance, carefully lift seat and position it on the seat rails in the vehicle. Align the four mounting bolt holes with the threaded inserts in the floor. Install all four seat mounting bolts hand-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Do not fully torque at this stage.
14. 14

    Reconnect seat electrical connectors
    Reconnect all electrical connectors under the seat in reverse order of removal. The yellow side airbag connector should click and lock securely. Reconnect seat position sensor and seat heater connectors if equipped. Verify all connectors are fully seated and locked, and wiring is routed away from seat rails and moving parts.
15. 15

    Torque seat mounting bolts
    Using a torque wrench with 14mm socket, torque all four Seat Mounting Bolts to 61.0 Nm (45 lb-ft) in a cross pattern (front left, rear right, front right, rear left). Verify all bolts are fully torqued and seat is solidly mounted with no movement.
    ⚠️CRITICAL: Seat mounting bolts must be torqued to exactly 61.0 Nm (45 lb-ft). Improperly secured seats can cause injury in a collision.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Reconnect battery and clear SRS codes
    Reconnect positive battery terminal first, then negative terminal. Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine. The SRS warning light will illuminate. Connect OBD-II scan tool and access SRS system. Clear all stored diagnostic trouble codes. Cycle ignition OFF then ON. The SRS light should illuminate for approximately 6 seconds then extinguish. If light remains on, diagnose codes before operating vehicle.
    ⚠️Do not operate vehicle if SRS warning light remains illuminated after clearing codes. This indicates a fault that must be diagnosed and corrected.

Reassembly

1. Verify seat moves freely on rails in both directions without binding or interference
2. Test all seat functions including recline, height adjustment, and heater if equipped
3. Confirm no warning lights remain on dash after clearing codes
4. Document repair with date, mileage, and airbag module part number for vehicle records

Verification

• SRS warning light illuminates for 6 seconds at ignition ON, then extinguishes completely
• No diagnostic trouble codes present in SRS system when scanned with OBD-II tool
• Seat is solidly mounted with no play or movement at mounting points
• All seat electrical functions operate normally (position sensors, heater if equipped)
• Seat backrest trim cover is properly secured with no gaps or loose clips
• Yellow airbag connector under seat is fully locked with secondary lock engaged
• No obstructions in side airbag deployment zone on outboard side of seat
• Perform final visual inspection of all torqued fasteners and electrical connections

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